Overview
- The Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals filed a joint opposition to the WNBA’s trademark application for apparel on Aug. 10, arguing the mark could cause public confusion with their historic W logos.
- The WNBA first sought to register “The W” for jerseys, shirts and caps in a March 26, 2025 application that expanded an earlier 2024 filing limited to broadcast and entertainment services.
- The WNBA’s application was published by the USPTO on Feb. 10 and the teams filed on the last day of the opposition window, a timing that trademark-watchers say suggests private talks took place beforehand.
- Trademark lawyer Josh Gerben says adding the article “The” gives the WNBA a distinct commercial impression that strengthens its legal case, while league and MLB sources say talks are ongoing to define narrow limits on use.
- The dispute hinges on fan traditions and merchandising: the Cubs’ win flag dates to the 1930s and the Nationals’ Curly W is a long-standing mark, so any deal will shape who can sell W-branded apparel and how.